Millions turn to online training to protect jobs

10th June 2020

Lanna Deamer

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A lack of job security has led to a quarter (24%) of the UK workforce to turn to online training courses to learn new skills or expand current knowledge during the Coronavirus, according to a recent survey by The Open University.

The research found that half (49%) of all current UK workers have been affected by uncertainty; and five million (14%) expect the pandemic to have dramatically changed the skills required to fulfil their roles by the time they return to work. Survey participants also urged employers to give direction as to which courses are best to ensure new skills become valued assets.

SMMT Industry Forum - an appointed training provider for the international IATF 16949 quality management system standard, mandated by nine automotive OEMs for their supply chains - has reacted to the current working environment by launching virtual, instructor-led courses as well as a range of self-directed, online 'e-learning' modules for people working in automotive manufacturing. These include training to support the latest government-funded NMCL supply chain support programme.

A number of Industry Forum’s most popular training courses are now available remotely. The instructor-led courses have been adapted to make them interactive and engaging when delivered digitally, and provide full certification, sanctioned by the SMMT Oversight office, when completed.

In addition to the range of digitally delivered, instructor-led courses, Industry Forum has launched a variety of flexible 'e-learning' courses. These are bite-sized 15-minute modules, with five test questions at the end of each module, and in some cases, online examinations to achieve an industry-recognised certification.

Manufacturing employees are able to attend full courses in one session, or pick and choose courses and modules, in quality and auditing, maintenance, team leadership, supply chain, new product introduction and project management, based on their specific needs and desired level of certification.

“The post-Coronavirus redesign of global supply chains to become more diversified will bring new opportunities for UK manufacturers. The winning companies will have skilled workforces that are adept at using technology and switching to new ways of working. With the latest launch of e-learning courses, delivered by our top experts, Industry Forum is continuing its drive to deliver relevant, world-class training across every manufacturing discipline,” said Paul Heard, CEO at Industry Forum.

The following courses are available immediately here.

Virtual, instructor led courses:

IATF 16949:2016 Internal Auditor Training
IATF 16949:2016 Lead Auditor Training
IATF Management Awareness Training
Automotive Core Tools Certification Training (APQP, FMEA, SPC, MSA and PPAP)
Combined FMEA Essentials Training
Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) Training – Successful Asset Start-up – Risks and recovery
Mobilising your Supply Chain – Supplier, Inventory and customer order management
Supply Chain Management Training – Inventory & MRP/Planning
Green Belt Training
Team Leader Essentials Training
NPI Essentials Training
NPI Project Management Training

‘E-learning’, self-directed online modules:

Core Tools Fundamentals eCourse (APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, PPAP)
IATF 16949 Auditing Fundamentals eCourse
APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation & Distribution (CLTD)

In addition to its automotive and general manufacturing sector courses, Industry Forum also offers a number of digitally delivered courses for the aerospace sector, details of which can be found on the Industry Forum website.

Recent research showed that 54% prefer to learn at the point of need (to have the option to learn what they want when they want), 94% prefer to learn at their own speed and 78% are excited to use technology for learning. The benefits for employers, include proactive use of current down time, reduction in the effort and cost of learning, as well as admin involved in trying to manage large numbers of employees into the same room at the same time.

Industry Forum helps major global manufacturers understand, optimise and improve both manufacturing capability and business performance. Over 250 organisations in 30 countries trust Industry Forum to deliver and maintain sustainable improvement.

The video below explains the currently available ‘bite-sized’ courses in more detail.